The Last Farms of Kent Valley

At initial glance, the Kent Valley looks like a combination of warehouses and industry. In reality, tucked among the distribution centers and development is one of the region’s historic agricultural areas - and surprisingly, plenty of it is still being farmed today, offering local garden inspiration as well as a source for locally produced food and artisan crafts.

There is a surprising array of working farms - some that welcome visitors, some best viewed from the road - in an area once known as the Hop Capital and later the Lettuce Capital of the World. Don’t expect a traditional farm tour. What makes the region interesting is the landscape itself: working fields and old farm buildings appearing in unexpected places, sometimes right next to warehouses and new development.

Old farmland, new farmers: A good place to start is the historic O’Connell Farm property at 20431 Frager Road S. Established in 1872 by Richard O’Connell of County Limerick, Ireland, it remained in the O’Connell family for generations and is now home to Heritage Farm, part of the King County Farmland Preservation Program. Four farmers are cultivating land here, including Beatrice Shimirimana of Umoja N’nguvu Farm, which specializes in culturally diverse crops, organic vegetables and African-heritage greens. Weekly farm boxes are available for pickup at locations including Heritage Farm and the Delridge Farmers Market.

Step into the past: Head south to the historic Mary Olson Farm, a fully restored subsistence farm started by Swedish immigrant Alford Olson, who purchased the land in 1879. After his death in 1887, his wife Mary took over the farm. Today you can see the restored 1897 barn, 1902 farmhouse and century-old orchard. The farm is open on select days and for special events, with private tours available by arrangement.

CSA, flowers and a working farm landscape: Back north, S. 277th and 78th Ave. S. lead to Whistling Train Farm, a woman-owned farm specializing in CSA produce and U-pick seasonal flowers. Along the road are other small farms, including Briscot Farm and Sanctuary, an animal sanctuary and kids’ activity center.

Working farm landscape: Continue west on S. 277th and north on West Valley Highway North for a stretch of farms ranging from Carpinito Brothers, located on the former Smith Brothers Farm, to smaller producers such as Santos Farm, which sells its flowers at Pike Place Market. You’ll also find roadside farmstands, including I’s Fresh Flowers. The Carpinito fields and old Smith Brothers sign offer good roadside photo opportunities.

Unexpected diversity: The agricultural landscape continues east. Across 83rd Ave. S./Central Ave. S. is another Carpinito Brothers production farm. A short detour on 86th Ave. S. takes you to Kezama Farm, an immigrant farm specializing in African produce. Nearby, Green River Farm is home to multiple farmers, many of them immigrants.

Take some home: Finish at the Carpinito Brothers farm stand and retail operation, where you’ll find locally grown produce and plants.

The Kent Valley may look increasingly urban and industrial, but agriculture hasn’t disappeared. It has become more scattered, less visible and more diverse - and it’s still producing. Its future may look less like the big farms of its past and more like a collection of small and specialty farms interspersed with industry.

Editors’ Note: If you want to make a day of it, have lunch at one of Kent’s varied restaurants, such as Ram Restaurant and Brewery, which welcomes dogs on the patio and will even bring your pooch its own bowl of water. You can also order something for your dog from its “Paws” menu. Nearby are Agave Cocina & Cantina, which serves Mexican food made with organic produce; Asadero Prime, for mesquite-grilled Northern-style Mexican steak made from Wagyu beef; and egghole, a dog-friendly spot featuring brunch-style egg sandwiches.